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Simmons recounts holiday memories, traditions

Simmons recounts holiday memories, traditions

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Simmons' big game 0:48

6/15/12: Andrelton Simmons leads the charge in the Braves' 4-2 win over the Orioles, going 3-for-4 with the game-winning home run

By Mark Bowman
/
MLB.com |

Andrelton Simmons has encountered plenty of success since the Braves took him in the second round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft. The slick-fielding shortstop began this season at Double-A Mississippi and earned a promotion to Atlanta at the start of June. By the beginning of July, some media members and scouts were touting him as the game's top defensive shortstop. A broken bone in his left hand sidelined him for two months after the All-Star break, but he returned to the Braves lineup for the regular season's final two weeks.

Simmons is currently with his family on his native island of Curacao. He recently took time to discuss his favorite Christmas memories and traditions with MLB.com.

MLB.com: How is your hand feeling and have you started preparing for Spring Training?

Simmons: My hand has been feeling pretty good while I've been working out with some of the other pro guys down here in Curacao. I'm hoping it will be 100 percent by the start of Spring Training.

MLB.com: What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

Simmons: It would have to be when my mom and grandma cook dinner for the family and everybody else brings something to the dinner table on Christmas Eve.

MLB.com: Does your mother and grandmother prepare a special dish every year?

Simmons: My mom cooks smoked ham, and my grandma has a special way of serving the pigs' ears.